WASHINGTON, D. C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released $1.0 million in funding they worked to secure last year for runway improvements at the Mid-Delta Regional Airport in Greenville, Miss.

The FAA funding will support Phase 2 rehabilitation of Runway 18R/36L at the commercial air service airport in Washington County.  The project is intended to extend the useful life of the runway pavement. The award was made to the city of Greenville.

“This funding will support ongoing work to improve the efficiency and safety of the Mid-Delta Regional Airport so that it can further economic development opportunities and meet the air travel needs of people and businesses in the Delta.  I am pleased the FAA has approved the release of this funding so that this work can continue,” said Cochran, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“I am glad the FAA has released this funding that Senator Cochran and I worked to secure last year,” said Wicker. “These funds will further develop the runway renovations improving the safety of those traveling to and from the Delta.”

At the request of the city, Cochran and Wicker last year requested and secured this congressionally-directed funding as part of the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.  The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding is provided to support infrastructure development projects that will improve operational safety and efficiency at local airport facilities.

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